Texas Senate Bill SB1695

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the health literacy advisory committee and health literacy in the state health plan.

Impact

The legislation modifies the Health and Safety Code and creates an advisory structure that mandates the identification of key risk factors related to low health literacy. It requires the committee to explore strategies for improving communication between healthcare practitioners and patients, ensuring that health-related information is comprehensible and accessible. This focus on health literacy is intended to improve patient outcomes, reduce preventable health events, and enhance overall cost-effectiveness in state health programs.

Summary

SB1695 establishes a Health Literacy Advisory Committee aimed at increasing health literacy across Texas. The bill defines 'health literacy' as the capacity of individuals to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services necessary for making informed health decisions. The committee will include representatives from various stakeholders, including academia, health plans, and consumer groups, and will be responsible for developing a long-range plan to enhance health literacy levels within the state.

Contention

While the bill seeks to address the critical issue of health literacy, it may face challenges regarding the balance of oversight and stakeholder engagement. Critics may argue about the representation on the committee and the adequacy of resources dedicated to addressing the complex nuances associated with health literacy. Furthermore, the effectiveness of recommended strategies to translate into practical improvements in health outcomes is a point of potential contention among healthcare providers and policymakers.